Perhaps for Althea to move twenty miles away was not entirely a bad thing. “Ancient history, Thea. I will say this once, and not speak of it again: I did not run away to elope with anybody. Nobody need be held accountable.” Not quite the truth, but as good as.

Althea remained silent all the way to a door set into a high wall at the back of Rothhaven Hall. “If you ever—”

“Cut line, Althea. It’s old business, and you are starting a new life. I am fine, I will be fine.” Fine being a relative term.

“But, Con, I’ve been thinking, and—”

“No thinking. My past is not yours to think about.” Constance shoved the door open harder than necessary and stepped through ahead of her sister. She stopped after two strides, Althea crowding her from behind.

“This is heaven,” Constance murmured. “This is absolute, perfect, eternal heaven.”

Before her stretched a sea of fragrant, bobbing flowers, mostly irises and tulips. Colors blended, white to pink to red to purple, and then a contrasting bed—vibrant yellow—drew the eye. Everything, from the height of the blooms to the planted patterns of the beds, showed a loving hand and a lively imagination given freedom to experiment and indulge.

A statue of Saint Valentine presided over the whole, with two stone Cupids shouldering ceramic clamshell birdbaths. White walkways of crushed shells brought more geometry and light into the garden, and old wooden benches added the perfect final touch.

I could be happy here. The thought was unexpected and far from rational, but it made Constance smile. I could be so happy here.

“Lovely, isn’t it?” Althea said. “Nathaniel claims as the season progresses, the garden becomes spectacular. I cannot imagine anything more spectacular than this.”

Across the garden, Rothhaven stood on the terrace. He was bareheaded and coatless, his cuffs turned back at the wrists, his waistcoat of blue paisley another dash of color in this luscious retreat.

He waved. He did not smile—no grin, no flash of teeth—but his eyes, oh, his eyes…Even at this distance, Constance could tell he was pleased to see them.

Pleased to see her. “The garden is impressive,” she said, moving forward so Althea could join her on the walk. But I see a sight more impressive than all these lovely flowers.

“Nathaniel informed me that I must expect callers,” Robert said, shrugging into his coat. “He did not warn me that you and Lady Althea would lead the procession today.”

Lady Constance had again dressed for comfort rather than to impress. She wore a plain rose walking dress, a discreet swath of purple velvet facing at the collar. The hem was decorated with a bit of purple and green stitchery, and the whole ensemble had not a single flounce or ruffle. Her shawl was a simple white crocheted affair, and on her head sat a plain straw hat with a wide, floppy brim.